Rehabilitation and release of White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Bulgaria: A case study

The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is a top predator and may serve as an indicator of environmental health. The species is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As of 2020, the population of White-tailed Eagles in Bulgaria was estimated at 43-60 breeding pairs. Conservation efforts were undertaken in the country, including rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds back into the wild. Soft release was used for the first time in Bulgaria for White-tailed Eagles at two different locations: Karandila in Sinite Kamani Nature Park (Sliven Region) and near Potochnitsa Village (Kardzhali Region). The current study tracks the rehabilitation of four immature eagles tagged with GPS-GSM transmitters, their adaptive capacity and the success of their release back into their natural environment.